Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/ INQUIRER.net
LUCENA — Losing last year’s Dunk Contest by a mere point, Chris Newsome vowed to come back stronger this year.
But more than anything, all he wants to do is to give a good show in front of an expected packed crowd inside Quezon Convention Center here.
“From my side, I just want to give the fans a new show. I feel like that’s why we’re in this competition in the first place is to put on a show for the fans. And I know these guys don’t see us play here too often, so I know they’re all excited with the All-Star coming to Quezon,” he said on Thursday.
Newsome knows that he’s up against stiff competition, especially with defending champion Rey Guevarra eyeing title number four.
“It’s gonna be interesting to see what Rey’s got. I know he’s been running the table for the past three years and I think he is ready for number four. I spoke with James (Forrester) earlier and we’ll just do what we can and try to perform out there,” he said.
Aside from the reigning champion, Newsome is the favorite to snag the title in the Slam Dunk competition.
Also joining the contest are GlobalPort’s James Forrester, Alaska’s Marion Magat, and Ginebra’s Jammer Jamito.
It may seem intense, but Newsome downplayed the showdown as a mere friendly competition.
“I think we bring the best out of each other. I think the competitors come out with good dunks and that will force Rey to do something spectacular. It just keeps raising the bar. And that’s what’s it about,” he said.